Lucerne, Switzerland

   Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, located the shores of Lake Lucerne, in the foothills to the Swiss Alps. Thanks to its attractions, its charm and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion on Lake Lucerne and to the mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is the destination for groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland.

   Complete with traditional Swiss gable paintings, the covered, medieval Chapel Bridge forms the centerpiece of Lucerne�s townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe. Another of the landmarks of the city is the Museggmauer, a medieval wall which, with one of its towers, has been preserved in its original form.

   Historic houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque town squares. Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. The Jesuit church dating from the 17th century is regarded as Switzerland�s first sacral Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form is an integral part of the townscape.

   The stone sculpture of a dying lion, which was hewn from the face of rock, is in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792 is one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland. And with its 367 foot-long Bourbaki panorama, Lucerne possesses one of the world�s few maintained, mammoth circular paintings.

   Tradition and modern buildings stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Center ( the KKL), designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one the outstanding architectural features of the town. The KKL is also a landmark of Lucerne Festival City and venue for a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year.

   Lucerne is the ideal starting point for many excursions to the attractions of central Switzerland. A trip up one of Lucerne�s regional mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi � the queen of mountains � is a must.  Also, excursions up onto the Stanserhorn, the B�rgenstock or a cruise on Lake Lucerne will all be memorable.

   The Wilhelm Tell Express originates in Lucerne and carries its passengers to the foot of the Gotthard pass via Lake Lucerne and then continues by rail into Ticino, south of the Alps. The cherry road leads from Lucerne through the landscape of cheery trees...and be sure to taste the local kirsch.